This week, Brandweek magazine takes on some old-style brands. A couple of stories of note include: Del Monte’s New CMO Raises The Bar On Fruit: These recessionary times are supposedly causing consumers to go back to the basics. And what’s more basic than fruit? If that’s the case, Del Monte,MORE HERE

We came across this video of the lighting of the Neiman Marcus store in Downtown Dallas. Who says great Christmas traditions and strong department store brands are no longer? They just need to go to Dallas, and visit Neiman Marcus. By the way, the beginning of the second verse, “GodMORE HERE

If you are hungry for something terribly tasty, try a Taylor Pork Roll, made by Taylor Provisions of Trenton, N.J. The company was founded by John Taylor in 1856. Noted food writer Andrew Zimmern says that the idea of a pork roll might date back to the Revolutionary War. WhateverMORE HERE

Walk the dog with us. Few things are better than the feel of a Duncan Yo-Yo, especially when you first figure it out. But there is one problem. Glow in the dark yo-yos from Duncan don’t glow after 30 years. Visit our main site www.brandlandusa.com/ for in depth stories.MORE HERE

INDIANAPOLIS – Brands are more interesting when they are owned by small companies, and have some history. That’s why Bar Keepers Friend, founded in 1882, is memorable. Bar Keepers Friend is one of many products made in Indiana, including Clabber Girl. A few other vintage type brands. These include: ClayMORE HERE

Want to know what newspapers will survive? Weeklies will survive. Here, a newspaper box (Sho-Rack brand?) from the Boca Beacon, in Boca Grande, Florida. The box is painted up with a local theme. ALL the content is local, and you can’t get it online. We also read about the importanceMORE HERE

Hint: It’s about finding the cool stuff, and making cult favorites out of the mundane Everyone has to brand these days. It started with product brands, then service brands. Now we all have to have a personal brand. And cities now talk about “branding” themselves. Good earth. Can’t we justMORE HERE